U.S. patent application number 14/370377 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-18 for helmet provided with an adjustable device for the helmet comfort liner.
The applicant listed for this patent is ALPINESTARS RESEARCH SRL. Invention is credited to Giovanni Mazzarolo, Duco Noordzij, David Rogers.
Application Number | 20140366252 14/370377 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45809508 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140366252 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mazzarolo; Giovanni ; et
al. |
December 18, 2014 |
HELMET PROVIDED WITH AN ADJUSTABLE DEVICE FOR THE HELMET COMFORT
LINER
Abstract
The present invention relates to a helmet 10 which comprises an
impact absorbing liner 30 and a comfort liner 40. The comfort liner
40 in turn comprises at least one adjustable device 50 which during
the normal use of the helmet 10 is positioned on the top of the
head of the user. According to the invention, the adjustable device
50 is suitable for being fastened to the impact absorbing liner 30
of the helmet 10 by means of coupling means 80 provided at the ends
64 of the adjustable device 50. The coupling means 80 are suitable
for being removably engaged inside anchor means 90 provided on the
impact absorbing liner 30 of the helmet 10. Each anchor means 90
has a plurality of anchor points 94A, 94B, 94C. By changing the
anchor point 94A, 94B, 94C where the coupling means 80 of the
adjustable device 50 are engaged, the user is allowed to adjust the
conformation and slope of the adjustable device 50 of the helmet 10
according to his own needs.
Inventors: |
Mazzarolo; Giovanni; (Coste
di Maser (Treviso), IT) ; Rogers; David; (Boston,
MA) ; Noordzij; Duco; (Roxbury, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ALPINESTARS RESEARCH SRL |
Coste di Maser (Treviso) |
|
IT |
|
|
Family ID: |
45809508 |
Appl. No.: |
14/370377 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
December 28, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2012/057784 |
371 Date: |
July 2, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/414 ;
2/411 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/125 20130101;
A42B 3/10 20130101; A42B 3/127 20130101; A42B 1/22 20130101; A42B
3/12 20130101; A42B 3/145 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/414 ;
2/411 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/12 20060101
A42B003/12; A42B 3/10 20060101 A42B003/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 4, 2012 |
IT |
TV2012A000001 |
Claims
1. A helmet (10) comprising an impact absorbing liner (30) and a
comfort liner (40); the comfort liner (40) comprising at least one
adjustable device (50) which, during normal use of the helmet (10),
is positioned at the top of the head of the user, the adjustable
device (50) being suitable for being fastened to the impact
absorbing liner (30) of the helmet (10) by means of coupling means
(80) provided at the ends (64) of the adjustable device (50)
characterized in that the coupling means (80) are suitable for
being removably engaged inside anchor means (90), provided on the
impact absorbing liner (30) of the helmet (10), each anchor means
(90) having a plurality of different anchor points (94A, 94B, 94C);
thereby, by changing the anchor point (94A, 94B, 94C) engaged by
the coupling means (80) of the adjustable device (50), the
adjustment of the conformation and slope of the adjustable device
(50) of the helmet (10) is allowed.
2. A helmet (10) according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable
device (50) comprises a cushioning pad (70) and a liner suspension
device (60).
3. A helmet (10) according to claim 1, further comprising an
external shell (20) positioned over the impact absorbing liner
(30).
4. A helmet (10) according to claim 2, wherein the liner suspension
device (60) comprises a central body (61) from which protrudes
outwardly a plurality of appendix (64), the coupling means (80) of
the adjustable device (50) being provided on the top surface of
each appendix (64).
5. A helmet (10) according to claim 4, wherein the central body
(61) has a substantially rectangular shape; each appendix (64)
protruding at a corner of the central rectangular body (61) along a
direction angled of an angle (.theta..sub.L) with respect to the
longitudinal axis (X.sub.L) of the body (61).
6. A helmet (10) according to claim 5, wherein the angle
(.theta..sub.L) is preferably comprised in the range between about
30.degree. and about 50.degree..
7. A helmet (10) according to claim 2, wherein the cushioning pad
(70) comprises a top moulded cushion (71) which is partially
overlaid by a foam layer (72); the cushioning pad (70) being
provided with a central opening (73).
8. A helmet (10) according to claim 2, wherein the adjustable
device (50) is made by directly injecting the liner suspension (60)
onto the cushioning pad (70).
9. A helmet (10) according to claim 4, wherein the coupling means
(80) comprise a first pin (81) having a mushroom shape which
extends orthogonally from the top surface of the appendix (64); the
first pin (81) having a stem (82) which bears a rounded head (83)
on its free end.
10. A helmet (10) according to claim 9, wherein the rounded head
(83) has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the longitudinal
axis (Z.sub.L) of the stem (82).
11. A helmet (10) according to claim 9, wherein the coupling means
(80) further comprise a second pin (86) having a rounded head with
a height lower than that of the first pin (81).
12. A helmet (10) according to claim 1, wherein the anchor means
(90) are positioned at the front and at the rear of the impact
absorbing liner (30) in an area substantially corresponding to the
frontal bone and to the occipital bone; the anchor means (90) being
arranged symmetrically two by two with respect to the central
vertical symmetry plane (X.sub.H) of the helmet (10).
13. A helmet (10) according to claim 1, wherein the anchor means
(90) are obtained by injecting polymeric material inside proper
seats provided into the impact absorbing liner (30).
14. A helmet (10) according to claim 1, wherein each anchor means
(90) have a bottom profile (91) from which supporting means (92)
extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the top surface
of the bottom profile (91); the supporting means (92) having the
function to support an anchor surface (93) along a plane
substantially parallel to the plane on which lies the bottom
profile (91).
15. A helmet (10) according to claim 14, wherein each anchor
surface (93) is provided with a plurality of different anchor
points (94A, 94B, 94C); the anchor points (94A, 94B, 94C) being
arranged along a longitudinal axis (J) of the anchor surface
(93).
16. A helmet (10) according to claim 15, wherein each anchor point
(94) is composed by a central hole (95) to which two smaller holes
(96) extend symmetrically in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis (J) of the anchor surface (93).
17. A helmet (10) according to claims 9 and 16, wherein the
diameter of the central hole (95) is smaller than the outer profile
of the rounded head (83) of the first pin (81) of the coupling
means (80).
18. A helmet (10) according to claim 1, wherein the anchor points
(94A, 94B, 94C) are positioned at different locations on the impact
absorbing liner (30) and spaced apart from each other.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a helmet provided with an
adjustable device for the helmet comfort liner.
[0002] As it is well known in the art, the helmets which are used
during sporting activities generally utilize a construction based
on three primary components: an exterior shell, an impact absorbing
liner and a comfort liner.
[0003] The exterior shell, made of a rigid material, for example a
thermoplastic polymer like polycarbonate or a fiber-reinforced
polymer, has the function to protect the head of the helmet's
wearer against impacts with the ground or other objects.
[0004] The exterior shell is also suitable for dissipating, at
least partially, in case of an accident, the impact forces acting
on the helmet by spreading and transferring them to the second
component of the helmet, the impact absorbing liner.
[0005] The impact absorbing liner is positioned adjacent to the
exterior shell and it is shaped so as to correspond to the shape of
the wearer's head.
[0006] The function of the impact absorbing liner is to absorb the
impact forces which are generated during an accident, thereby
preserving the wearer's head.
[0007] Generally, the impact absorbing liner is made of relatively
rigid material, like expanded polystyrene.
[0008] The third component is the comfort liner which resides on
the surface of the impact absorbing liner facing the wearer's
head.
[0009] The comfort liner is usually made of a combination of soft
foam and fabric materials and has the function to make comfortable
the wear of the helmet, by avoiding that the wearer's head gets in
direct contact with the rigid impact absorbing liner.
[0010] It is also known that a helmet, in order to accomplish in
the best way its protection function, needs to be stable and secure
on the wearer's head. Such occurrence is possible only when the
impact absorbing liner is very close in shape and size to that of
the wearer's head. In this case, the comfort liner can be soft and
comfortable without affecting the stability of the helmet since it
has the support of the rigid impact liner placed beside it.
[0011] Nevertheless, considering the variety of sizes and shapes of
the heads of the world population, it is quite difficult that a
helmet which fits properly on the head of one person, could fit in
a stable and secure manner on the head of a another person.
[0012] To achieve such result, most helmet manufacturers offer to
their customers, even if it is expensive and difficult to do, the
opportunity to choose between different sizes and shapes of helmet,
in order to increase the possibility that the customer could find a
helmet which is stable and secure on its head and at the same time
comfortable.
[0013] In the name of the same applicant an International Patent
Application has been filed (published as WO2010122586) which
discloses a new and innovative impact absorbing liner suitable for
being used as part of a helmet. Such impact absorbing liner
comprises adjustable means which allow to easily change the
interior size and shape of the impact absorbing liner.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment the adjustable means of the impact
absorbing liner comprises a plurality of displaceable blocks,
positioned in the area of the impact absorbing liner facing the
temples, the ears and the occipital bone of the wearer of the
helmet. By moving towards or away from the wearer's head the
displaceable blocks, it is possible for the wearer to adjust the
shape and size of the internal comfort liner according to his/her
needs. Such impact absorbing liner allows to solve the drawbacks
above mentioned, making a helmet stable and secure over a plurality
of different heads.
[0015] Nevertheless, it should be noted that even if the head of
the user fits properly inside the impact absorbing liner of the
helmet, further problems can still arise.
[0016] As a matter of fact, also for users having an head with a
given proportion, the location of the eyes, ears and face is not
constant and varies independently from the size of the head.
[0017] The result is that on many users the helmet sits too low on
the face. This occurrence can cause unnecessary pressure on the
eyebrows of the user and can potentially reduce the field of view,
by affecting in this way the safety of the user.
[0018] Furthermore, many user may have a head with a given
proportion but different top profile. In this case, the shape of
the impact absorbing liner and comfort liner, not matching the
specific shape of the head, may cause the helmet to sit on the user
head at an unusual or uncomfortable angle.
[0019] Also this occurrence can lead to some problems. As a matter
of fact, some areas of the helmet can exert an unnecessary pressure
on the head. Moreover, also in this case, the field of view of the
user can be reduced.
[0020] Some helmets are provided with one or more pads suitable for
being attached by Velcro.RTM. means over the top internal surface
of the impact absorbing liner.
[0021] Nevertheless, the provision of such pads does not solve the
above mentioned problems.
[0022] As a matter of fact, for being efficacious and for helping
the user to adjust the positioning of the helmet over its head, the
pads must have different thickness and must be able to be swapped
out for one and other.
[0023] In view of the above notes, for assuring a proper fitting of
the helmet over the user's head, every helmet should be supplied
with at least one set of pads having different thickness. Such
eventuality would imply an increase of the costs and an useless
consumption of material. As a matter of fact, multiple pad
thickness would need to be supplied with every helmet, but only one
thickness would ever be worn.
[0024] The object of the present invention is to provide a helmet
which solves at least partially the above mentioned problems and
drawbacks.
[0025] In particular, an aim of the present invention is to provide
a helmet having a comfort liner which can be easily adapted to the
top profile of the wearer's head so as to adjust the angle on which
the helmet sits on the head of the user.
[0026] Moreover, an other aim of the present invention is to
provide a helmet having a comfort liner that allows the adjusting
of the internal height of the helmet so as to achieve a proper
positioning of the helmet with respect to the eyes, ears and face
of the user.
[0027] These and other objects and aims are achieved by the helmet
provided with an adjustable device for the helmet comfort liner
according to claim 1.
[0028] The advantages and the characteristic features of the
invention will emerge more clearly from the following description
of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the helmet which
refers to the accompanying figures in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional view of a helmet according to
the invention;
[0030] FIG. 1A shows a cross sectional view of the helmet of FIG.
1, comprising an external shell;
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a simplified cross sectional view of the helmet
of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 2A shows a simplified cross sectional view of the
helmet of FIG. 1A;
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the helmet according to the
invention;
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the impact absorbing
liner of the helmet of FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the adjustable device of the
helmet comfort liner according to the invention;
[0036] FIG. 6 shows a top view of a first component of the
adjustable device of FIG. 5;
[0037] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the component of FIG. 6;
[0038] FIG. 8 shows a larger perspective view of the detail
referenced by A in FIG. 7;
[0039] FIG. 9 shows a top view of the detail of FIG. 8;
[0040] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the detail of FIG. 8;
[0041] FIG. 11 shows a larger perspective view of the detail
referenced by B in FIG. 4;
[0042] FIG. 12 shows a top view of the detail of FIG. 11;
[0043] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the detail of FIG. 11;
[0044] FIG. 14 shows a cross sectional view of the detail
referenced by C in FIG. 2 according to plane XIV-XIV of FIG. 2;
[0045] FIG. 15 shows a simplified cross sectional view of the
helmet according to the invention;
[0046] FIGS. 16-19 show four schematic views of some possible
adjustments of the adjustable device of the helmet comfort liner
according to the invention.
[0047] In the following description of the helmet according to the
invention, as "bottom" there will be indicated the portion of the
different components of the helmet relatively closer to the wearers
head and as "top" the portion of the different components
relatively farther.
[0048] With reference first of all to FIGS. 1, 1A and 2, and 2A the
present invention relates to a helmet 10 which comprises an impact
absorbing liner 30 and a comfort liner 40.
[0049] In a well know manner, as it is shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A,
the helmet 10 can also comprise an external shell 20 positioned
over the impact absorbing liner 30.
[0050] The comfort liner 40 in turn comprises at least one
adjustable device 50 which, during the normal use of the helmet 10,
is positioned at the top of the head of the user. Preferably, the
adjustable device 50 comprises a liner suspension device 60 and a
cushioning pad 70 (see FIG. 5).
[0051] In FIGS. 2 and 2A, only the liner suspension device 60 of
the adjustable device 50 is shown, the other components of the
adjustable device 50 having been removed.
[0052] According to the invention, the adjustable device 50 is
suitable for being fastened to the impact absorbing liner 30 of the
helmet 10 by means of coupling means 80 provided at the ends 64 of
the adjustable device 50 (see FIG. 5).
[0053] In detail, the coupling means 80 are suitable for being
removably engaged inside anchor means 90 provided on the impact
absorbing liner 30 of the helmet 10.
[0054] Each anchor means 90 has a plurality of anchor points 94A,
94B, 94C. Accordingly, by changing the anchor point 94A, 94B, 94C
where the coupling means 80 of the adjustable device 50 is engaged,
the user is allowed to adjust the conformation and slope of the
adjustable device 50 of the helmet 10 according to his own needs.
In this way it is possible to adjust the internal height of the
helmet and the angle on which the helmet sits on the head of the
user.
[0055] Preferably, the anchor points 94A, 94B, 94C of each anchor
means 90 are positioned at different locations on the impact
absorbing liner 30 and spaced apart from each other (see FIG. 4) so
as to allow the user a wide range of adjustments of the adjustable
device 50.
[0056] As anticipated above, the adjustable device 50 can be formed
by the liner suspension device 60 and the cushioning pad 70.
[0057] The liner suspension device 60 is preferably made of
polymeric material and is preferably produced by means of well
known injection moulding techniques.
[0058] The liner suspension device 60 can have different shapes and
dimensions.
[0059] As a matter of fact, for a proper functioning of the device
60, it is simply required that the liner suspension device 60 has a
shape that allows it to be easily connected to the different anchor
means 90 provided on the impact absorbing liner 30, so that the
liner suspension device 60 is adequately supported.
[0060] At the same time, it is also advisable that the liner
suspension device 60 has a surface area having dimensions suitable
for supporting the weight of the helmet without creating any
contact pressure points over the user's head.
[0061] Preferably, the liner suspension device 60 comprises a
central body 61, from which protrudes outwardly a plurality of
appendix 64, the coupling means 80 of the adjustable device 50
being provided on the top surface of each appendix 64.
[0062] As it is shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, 5 and 6, in a preferred
embodiment of the invention, the liner suspension device 60 has a
substantially rectangular body 61 with a central rectangular
opening 62. At each corner of the rectangular body 61 an appendix
64 protrudes outwardly along a direction angled approximately of an
angle .theta..sub.L with respect to the longitudinal axis X.sub.L
of the body 61. Angle .theta..sub.L is preferably comprised in the
range between about 30.degree. and about 50.degree..
[0063] As it is shown in FIG. 5, the bottom surface of the liner
suspension device 60 is coupled to a cushioning pad 70 having an
external profile which substantially reproduces the external
profile of the body 61 of the liner suspension device 60.
[0064] The cushioning pad 70 can comprise a top moulded cushion 71
which is partially overlaid by a foam layer 72. The cushioning pad
70 generally further comprises a mesh of fabric material (not shown
in the attached figures) which entirely covers the bottom surface
of the cushioning pad 70.
[0065] The top moulded cushion 71 and the foam layer 72 are
preferably stitched together along their perimetric edges.
[0066] The coupling between the liner suspension device 60 and the
cushioning pad 70 can be made also by means of glue or by means of
other known techniques.
[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, similarly to the
liner suspension device 60, also the cushioning pad 70 is provided
with a central opening 73. Such central opening 73 which can have
different shapes (in FIG. 5 an opening 73 is shown having a
substantially rhomboidal shape) has the function to guarantee an
adequate breathability of the adjustable device. As a matter of
fact, the opening 73 is designed to be matched with the rectangular
opening 62 of the liner suspension device 60.
[0068] Preferably the foam layer 72 is split into four separate
sections 72a, 72b, 72c and 72d.
[0069] In this way the adjustable device 50 is more flexible,
having a greater surface area suitable for comfortably fitting on
the top head of the helmet's wearer.
[0070] Generally, the coupling between the liner suspension device
60 and the cushioning pad 70 in order to obtain the adjustable
device 50 is made by directly injecting the liner suspension device
60 onto the cushioning pad 70. In this way a firm connection
between the two components of the adjustable device 50 is
guaranteed.
[0071] The adjustable device 50 is suitable for being fastened to
the impact absorbing liner 30 of the helmet 10 by means of coupling
means 80.
[0072] Such coupling means 80, in a preferred embodiment of the
invention, are provided on the top surface of each appendix 64 of
the liner suspension device 60.
[0073] As it is clearly shown in FIGS. 8-10, the coupling means 80
preferably comprise a first pin 81 having a mushroom shape which
extends orthogonally from the top surface of the appendix 64.
Preferably the first pin 81 has a stem 82 which bears a rounded
head 83 on its free end.
[0074] The rounded head 83 has an asymmetrical shape with respect
to the longitudinal axis Z.sub.L of the stem 82. As a matter a
fact, as it is shown in FIGS. 10 and 14, the surface 84 of the head
83, facing internally towards the cushioning pad 70, is merged into
the stem 82 of the rounded head 83 with a profile more curved with
respect to the outward surface 85.
[0075] The surface 84 forms a kind of hook which is suitable to
offer a firm catch on the anchor means 90, as it will be described
in detail in the following.
[0076] As it is shown in FIGS. 8-10, a second pin 86 can extend
orthogonally from the top surface of each appendix 64, such second
pin 86 being facing to the outward surface 85. The second pin 86
has a rounded head having a height lower than that of the first pin
81. The second pin 86 accomplishes, as it will be described in
detail in the following, a safety function since it forces, once
the first pin 81 is inserted inside the anchor means 90, the
surface 84 of the first pin 81 to stay adherent to the anchor means
90, avoiding any bending movements which could cause the
unintentional detachment between the first pin 81 and the anchor
means 90. The anchor means 90 are fastened in a known manner to the
impact absorbing liner 30 of the helmet 10.
[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anchor means
90 are obtained by injecting polymeric material inside proper seats
provided into the impact absorbing liner 30.
[0078] In this way, the connection between impact absorbing liner
30 and anchor means 90 is very secure and firm.
[0079] The helmet 10 is preferably provided with four different
anchor means 90 which are arranged symmetrically two by two with
respect to the central vertical symmetry plane of the helmet 10
(see trace X.sub.H in FIG. 3). More precisely, the anchor means 90
are positioned at the front and at the rear of the impact absorbing
liner in an area substantially corresponding to the frontal bone
and to the occipital bone, respectively.
[0080] With reference to the FIGS. 11-12-13 each anchor means 90
has a bottom profile 91, preferably of rectangular shape.
Supporting means 92 extend in a direction substantially orthogonal
from the top surface of the bottom profile 91. Such supporting
means 92 have the function to support an anchor surface 93 along a
plane substantially parallel to the plane on which lies the bottom
profile 91. Preferably also the anchor surfaces 93 have rectangular
shape.
[0081] The anchor surface 93 is provided with a plurality of
different anchor points 94. Preferably three different anchor
points 94A, 94B, 94C are arranged along to the longitudinal axis J
of the surface 93.
[0082] As it is shown in FIGS. 4 and 15-19, the different anchor
points 94A, 94B, 94C are positioned at different locations and
spaced apart from each other. As a matter of fact each anchor
surface 93 may be provided with a bottom anchor point 94A, a middle
anchor point 94B and a top anchor point 94C.
[0083] In this way, as it has been previously anticipated, by
changing the anchor point 94A, 94B, 94C which is engaged by the
coupling means 80 of the adjustable device 50, it is also possible
to adjust the internal height of the helmet (see FIGS. 16 and 17).
Furthermore, it is also possible to change the angle on which the
helmet 10 sits on the head of the user. As a matter of fact, by
selecting for example the bottom anchor point 94A of the front
anchor means and the top anchor point 94C of the rear anchor means,
the slope of the adjustable device 50 can be changed helping in
this way the wearer to customize the helmet 10 according its needs
(see FIG. 18).
[0084] In particular, each anchor point 94 may be composed by a
central hole 95 to which two smaller holes 96 extend symmetrically
in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis J. The
diameter of the central hole 95 is smaller than the outer profile
of the rounded head 83 of the first pin 81, as a consequence, in
order to couple the first pin 81 to the central holes 95 a slight
push action is needed.
[0085] The provision of the two smaller side holes 96 permits the
bending of the central hole 95 allowing the insertion of the pin 81
but, at the same time, preserves the stiffness of the anchor point
94.
[0086] As a matter of fact, the first pin 81 can be released only
by exerting a pull action that is directed along a normal direction
to the plane on which the central holes 95 lie.
[0087] Moreover, the specific shape of the anchor points 94 allows
the central holes 95 of each anchor point 94 to be positioned
closer together. In this way, it is offered to the wearer the
possibility to make an accurate adjustment of the adjustable
device.
[0088] Hereafter the operation of the adjustable device 50 of the
comfort liner 40 of the helmet 10 will be described.
[0089] When the user wears the helmet 10, he has to check whether
the helmet 10 is stable and secure on his head. As a matter of
fact, as mentioned before, even if the size of the helmet 10 fits
quite properly on the user's head, there is the possibility that
the top portion of the comfort liner 40 of the helmet 10 has a
different profile than the top portion of the user's head or,
alternatively, that the comfort liner 40 exerts an excessive
pressure against the top portion or the face of the user's
head.
[0090] In the first case the helmet sits on the user's head at an
unusual or uncomfortable angle. In the second case the pressure
exerted by the comfort liner 40 does not allow to the user to wear
the helmet 10 in a comfortable manner. In addition, there could be
the occurrence that the user's head is not properly accommodated
inside the helmet 10 so that the safety offered by the helmet is
reduced.
[0091] According to what it has been previously stated, if the user
feels that the helmet does not fit properly over his head, he can
adjust the comfort liner 40 of the helmet 10 according to the
invention by operating on the adjustable device 50.
[0092] As a matter of fact, in order to adjust the internal height
of the helmet 10, the user can release, by exerting a pull action,
the coupling between the suspension liner device 60 of the
adjustable device 50 and the anchor means 90.
[0093] If, for example, the first pins 81 of each coupling means 80
were previously inserted in the top central hole 94C of the anchor
surface 93 (see FIG. 16), by inserting the first pins 81 of each
coupling means 80 in the middle central hole 94B or in the bottom
central hole 94A (see FIG. 17), the internal height of the helmet
10 can be reduced.
[0094] Similarly, if the comfort liner exerts an excessive pressure
over the top portion of the user's head, if each coupling means 80
were previously inserted in the bottom central holes 94A (see FIG.
17), by inserting the first pins 81 in the top central holes 94C
(see FIG. 16) or in the middle central holes 94B, the internal
height of the helmet can be increased, eliminating any pressure
point over the top portion of the user head.
[0095] Advantageously, by operating on the adjustable device 50 it
is also possible to change the angle on which the helmet sits on
the head of the user.
[0096] As a matter of fact, by inserting the coupling means 80 at
the front and at the rear of the helmet in central holes 94 at
different locations, the slope of the adjustable device 50 can be
changed from its original configuration.
[0097] In this way, if for example, after having adjusted the
internal height of the helmet by coupling at the front and at the
rear the coupling means 80 of the adjustable device 50 with the
middle central holes 94B of the anchor means 90, the user feels
that the adjustable device 50 exerts a greater pressure over the
frontal part of the top portion of the head with respect to the
rear part, he has the opportunity to adjust the slope of the
adjustable device 50 by inserting the coupling means 80 in the top
central holes 94A at the front and in the bottom central holes 94C
at the rear (see FIG. 19).
[0098] Alternatively, if for example, the user feels that the
adjustable device exerts a greater pressure over the rear part of
the top portion of the head with respect to the frontal part, by
inserting the coupling means 80 at the front in the bottom central
holes 94A and at the rear in the top central holes 94C the user has
the opportunity to eliminate any pressure point (see FIG. 18).
[0099] Of course, besides the above examples, other configurations
of the helmet 10 are made possible by the adjustable device 50 in
order to satisfy different specific needs of the user.
[0100] The specific shapes of the coupling means 80 and of the
corresponding anchor points 90 from one side allow an easy
engagement between them, on the other side permit a firm connection
of the adjustable device 50 to the impact absorbing liner 30. As a
matter of fact, as it is shown in FIG. 14, after the insertion of
the first pin 81 inside the selected anchor point 94, the
suspension liner 60 is subjected to a pull action along a direction
schematically represented by the reference F in FIG. 14.
[0101] Such pull action forces the surface 84 of the first pin 81
to catch the anchor point 94 and, at the same time, permits that
also the second pin 86 can be inserted inside the selected anchor
point 94. In this way it is guaranteed that the first pin 81
remains in its proper engagement position and it is eliminated the
risk that an unintentional disengagement between coupling means 80
and anchor means 90 can occur.
[0102] As a matter of fact, in order to detach the coupling means
80 from the anchor means 90, the user needs firstly to bend each
terminal end of the suspension liner device 60, such bending
allowing the release of the second pin 86 from the anchor point
94.
[0103] Secondly, the user has to pull the rounded head of the first
pin 81 along axis Z.sub.L, i.e. a direction perpendicular to that
of the anchor surface 93.
[0104] The two smaller holes 96 provided at the sides of each
central hole 95 allow the elastic deformation of the central hole
and, as a consequence, the release between the coupling means 80
and the anchor means 90.
[0105] From the above description it is clear that the helmet
according to the present invention has characteristics suitable to
advantageously solve the problems and drawbacks set out in the
prior art. In particular, by using the adjustable device 50, it is
possible for the user to customize the helmet internal height and
angle according to his own personal preference.
[0106] Moreover, the provision of the coupling between a male
(coupling means 80) and a female receiver (anchor means 90)
provides a firm connection of the comfort liner to the impact
absorbing liner by improving not only the comfort but also the
safety of the helmet.
[0107] The present invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, but mechanically equivalent solutions are
foreseeable falling within the scope of the following claims.
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